Anthonia Oyindeinyefa ARMSTRONG

Melanoides tuberculata is a freshwater snail of medical importance and serves as an intermediate host for several parasitic trematodes that affect both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of trematode infections in M. tuberculata snails from River Siluko in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 83 snails were collected in two batches: 17 and 66 specimens in May and July, 2025, respectively. All snails were subjected to standard cercarial shedding techniques and examined for the presence of trematode larvae under a dissecting microscope. Thereafter they were crushed and also examined. None of the snails shed cercaria. However, trematode larval stages (redia and furcocercous cercariae) were recovered from two (2.41%) of the snails examined after crushing. Only the snails examined in May were infected while none was infected in July. This finding showed that M. tuberculata from River Siluko harbors trematode infections, although at a relatively low prevalence. This indicates the role of M. tuberculata as an intermediate host for trematodes infection. The finding provides insight into the potential health risk posed by the aquatic environment of River Siluko. This study contributes to the understanding of the epidemiology of snail-borne trematode infections in the region and offers valuable data that can support public health planning, especially in community like Siluko that relied on water from the river for domestic and recreational activities. There is therefore need for continuous monitoring of freshwater snails parasites infection in the area

This study examined the emotional impact of parental neglect on children in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to determine the prevalence of emotional neglect, identify its major causes, assess its ef ects on children’s mental health, behavior, and academic performance, evaluate parental responsiveness, and examine the availability and ef ectiveness of support services. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, targeting 370 respondents, including primary and secondary school children, their parents, and teachers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Spearman’s Rank Correlation and multiple regression analysis) via SPSS version 25. Findings revealed that emotional neglect is prevalent, primarily driven by parental work commitments, financial constraints, and poor communication. The study further established significant associations between neglect and children’s emotional well-being, social behavior, and academic performance, while institutional support services were found to be limited. Recommendations emphasize parental engagement, school counseling, community awareness, and policy interventions